#frgive the very loose colour blindness research

[tracybirds]

Hello!

Overworked and headachy as I am, I couldn't resist sending an ask for the Little Whump List.

2 numbers, 2 brothers - you choose how to combine them!

30. Unfortunate choice of clothing (or however it was worded!) 4. Tummy ache

Gordon and John

:)

*hugs you lots* I'm sorry you're under the grind right now, I hope this small offering help brighten your evening <33 I def want to do the other one soon too but I am rapidly running out of evening!!!

Prompts are from @gumnut-logic's Little Whump List which hey, if you like it, I'm still open for ahaha just might take a day or two!

30. Unfortunate choice of clothing

"Come on, John, you've got to experiment a bit. Spice of life, remember?"

"I don't think that that's meant for clothing," retorted John. "Besides, Grandma says I look good in blue."

"Are you kidding?" demanded Gordon. "Clothing's the perfect place to start. Totally low stakes. Come on, what screams you in this shop?"

John held up the familiar button-down that matched the one he was wearing, the deep blue reminiscent of the boundary where the atmosphere gave way to the universe beyond.

"This one."

Gordon groaned.

"Okay, fine, you're the most boring person alive, we get it."

"I'm not boring!"

"You have literally bought the exact same shirt every three years since you were 11."

"It's not the exact same," said John disdainfully. "I've grown taller. And they changed the shape of the pocket."

"Right, yes, sorry," said Gordon, rolling his eyes. "The pocket shape changes everything."

"Why would I buy a different shirt anyway?" asked John, as though the idea had never occurred to him. "I like this one; the sleeves sit right, the fabric's not all clingy, and it's soft."

"We can find you another soft shirt," said Gordon impatiently. "But come on, John, shake things up a bit. You can buy your favourite one too if you must."

Sensing that Gordon wasn't going to give in, John sighed irritably and folded the new, blue shirt neatly and placed it in the basket.

"Fine," he said with a grumble. "Lead the way."

Shirt after shirt was bundled into John's arms and summarily rejected. This one was too long and that one was scratchy and "for the last time Gordon, I'm not getting anything with short sleeves."

Gordon scowled as he looked around the store.

"There's got to be something here for you."

John shrugged and reached out to flip through the clearance rack, hands trailing down the material as he considered each shirt carefully.

"I mean, come on, John," continued Gordon. "This is the biggest department store in New York City, there's got to be something that you like."

John paused, the material of a shirt falling smoothly through his hands. His fingers plucked at the piping with interest, the soft edge feeling almost metallic against his skin. He pulled it out, carefully examining the inside for any sign of poor construction that might irritate him on the hard nights that followed his training on Thunderbird Five.

"This one," he said firmly, and dove back into the changing room before Gordon could turn to ask what he had found.

He stepped back out moments later with a small, satisfied smile.

Gordon gaped.

The shirt was a hideous brown sat completely wrong with his hair colour, some kind of drunk plaid, lined with gold piping. The effect was startling, but even more incredibly, thought Gordon, John actually seemed to like it.

"Uh, are you sure?"

"I know it's a bit 'experimental' and all," said John, emphasising the term Gordon had himself been advocating for. "New colour and all. But green's not meant to be a bad look on redheads, right?"

In a flash, Gordon knew what had happened.

John's colour blindness had caused him to muddle the pale brown for a soft green that ought to have complemented his eyes, but instead clashed horribly to normal vision.

He had a split second to decide on his response.

Be a good brother? Or....

"Oh, yeah, that'll be an experiment for you alright!" he said cheerfully. "Looks good!" Was that piping? he wondered, smile fixing in place as he took in the view. "Maybe they'll let you wear it out?"

John twisted to stare at the mirror, eyes peering critically at his image. The frown cleared and he smiled shyly at Gordon.

"Yeah, maybe" he said. "Thanks Gordon, I guess I needed that push... this could become a new favourite of mine."

Gordon smiled, wide and bright and full of delight as to the months ahead.

"I really hope so, Johnny!"